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We believe that Indian guru Mata Amritanandamayi known as the “Hugging Saint” is Embezzling The World. Help us to spread the truth about her.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Articles and video related to "Holy Hell" in Eastern media

Since February 18 2014, Keralan media have started to talk about Gail Tredwell's book "Holy Hell". This posts gathers the articles in english, dealing with the online wildfire that followed.

Amma’s ex-aide alleges sexual abuse at ashram Shaju Philip for The Indian Express
Since the February 18 2014, Indians newspaper have picked up Gail Tredwell's story. This article focuses on the sexual abuses allegations.

Facebook critics of India's 'god-woman' face investigation in UCAN India
This copy from an article originally published in UCAN News, talks about the legal threats against the thousands of critics of Amritanandamayi, expressing themselves on social media.

Holy Hell Book Row: Police Register Case For Posting Anti-Amma Comments PTI for The New Indian Express
This article also talks about the case registered by the police against anti-Amma critics.

Spirited debate on Gail Tredwell’s book on social media in Madhyamam
In spite of legal threats, the internet users still talk about the book on social media.

Why is the media silent about the new book on Mata Amritanandamayi? G Pramod Kumar for First Post
The journalist wonders why most of the media remain silent althought the debate rages between citizens. He questions the political interests hidden behind this hushed silence.

Writer M Ramakrishnan on Gail Tredwell's Amma Allegations for Media One on youtube
Writer M Ramakrishnan, the author of the first Malayalam biography of Amritanandamayi supports Gail, saying that she was the only one to know what went on behind the scene.

Why is media silent over scandalous book about 'hugging-saint' Mata Amritanandamayi? in Daily Bhaskar
This article asks the same question again : "Her book is going almost unnoticed by the media but it has taken social media with a blow". Why do the media remain so silent about an issue which raises the people's anger?

Police file case against anti-Amritanandamayi posts on Facebook in The Week
This news magazine published by Manorama talks about the case taken against the internet users critcizing Amritanandamayi on social media.

Amritanandamayi scandal: Kerala leaders break silence on book in FirstPost India
Politicians start to also speak about the book. So does Amritanandamayi.

The Guru Delusion Madhavankutty Pillai for Open
According to this article, there is nothing new in the current scandal, many gurus face the same kind of issues. The spiritual empires even grow as the controversies multiply.

Amritanandmayi memoir sparks social media debate in Hindustan Times
This article sums up of the various events which occured, including the complaint against the users and the statements from politicians.

In the grip of a hug for Mumbai Mirror
A few extracts of the book have been reproduced in the article, with the author's permission. The magazine is flooded by offensive comments originating from Amritanandamayi's foreign followers.

FB post against Amma: Police register case in the Times of India
The registered case against negative comments targets 3 facebook pages. The article doesn't say which ones. How many posters will be traced by the cyber cell of the police?

Book on ‘hugging saint’ stirs hornet’s nest in Oman Tribune
In addition of a sum up of the issue, this article give a few interesting details. Swami Amritaswarupananda has always been the spokesperson of the MAM. Now Brahmachari Raju plays this role. Mutt is seeking possible legal measures against Gail while state president of the Congress party is to study the issue.

Attack on Amritanandamayi Math is an Attack on all Hindu Religious Institutions P Parameswaran for The New Indian Express
The director of Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram, a center affiliated to RSS, supports Amritanandamayi.

Withdraw Controversial Book on Mata Amritanandamayi in The New Indian Express
It is now the turn of VHP international general secretary to support Amritanandamayi.

Ashram an open book, says Amritanandamayi in The Times of India
Amritanandamayi says that all the Ashram's accounts are audited on an annual basis while CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan demands a probe into the flow of foreign funds into various ashrams.

Amma denies charges, Chandy backs her but Pinarayi seeks probe Shaju Philip for The Indian Express
The politics are divided regarding the issue.

Mata Amritanandamayi devotees call to boycott TV channels Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
Her devotees took a protest march asking for a boycott of the TV channels which talked about Gail's book.

Mata Amritanandamayi ashram scandal turns political Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
This article recounts the full answer of Amritanandamayi.

Sexual abuse in Mata Amritanandamayi ashram? Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
The article itself brings nothing new, but the comment that Preethi made on February 21, 2014 about the wealth of Amma's family is quite interesting.

Holy Hell By Gail Tredwell - A Sincere Search to The Truth Behind in Haindavam Keralam
One more political support for Amritanandamayi. Haindavam Keralam published the extract of the documentary River of Love and allegations picked from ammascandal.

Spiritual conundrum: Book claims 'hugging saint' ashram murky world of sex, money, power Jayaprakash K for dna
This article quotes a few extracts from the book to sum up the issue.

Gail Tredwell stands by rape accusations against prominent Kerala Mutt priest  J Binduraj for India Today
Gail Tredwell answers a few questions about her motivations and intentions

Amma and her organization terrorize and intimidate people: Gail Tredwell in Doolnews
An interview of Gail Tredwell, where she speaks about the reasons why she wrote the book.

Many People Who Possess Information Against Amma Are Terrified To Come Forward Jeemon Jacob for Tehelka
Another interview of Gail Tredwell, where she explains the so-called murder attempts that she supposedly perpetrated against Amma.

Vijayan wants ashram funds probed, CM highlights charity in The Times Of India
Some politicians want to probe the ashram's funds, some others claim that it is not an option. Meanwhile a case has been registered against a Facebook user.

The Holy Predicament Rose Merin for Utharakalam
This blogger raises original questions about Amritanandamayi and Gail's state of mind. She also wonders about the status of women in religion.

Holy hell! Will Amritanandamayi hug justice? in Kochi Post
Another original point of view. Indeed, it is true that "Answer to the questions raised by Tredwell is not given by questioning her credentials".

VHP demands withdrawal of the controversial book on Mata Amritanandamayi in dna
This political party suspects this to be a set up to attack the Hindu society, to divide and polarise votes.

Unbelievable: 5 WTF Moments from Our People in Power Archana Jayakumar for iDiva
But VHP calling to ban the book was a predictable move.

Watch John Brittas interview Gail Tredwell today at 7pm on People TV in Serial Daily
A crew of journalists from People TV flew to New York to have an interview with Gail Tredwell. The trailer is available on youtube.


A Delhi-based lawyer tried to lodge a case against the M.A. Math based on the book Holy Hell. Kerala Police had decided not to register a case against the mutt.

Amritanandamayi's real face caught in sting operation Vijesh for MediaOne
A political activits used a hidden camera to ask Amritanandamayi why her ashram doesn't paying any land revenues. Amritanandamayi answered that she needs to be exempted from taxes because she is giving lot of scholarships and charities while other religions do not do this much. "I have done lot of things good and many people are doing bad so I can do some small bad things". The raw footage  of the operation is also available online.

Gail Tredwell Interview with John Brittas on Kairali People John Brittas for Kairali People TV
The first part of Gail Tredwell TV interview on Kairali People TV.

Interview with Gail Tredwell by John Brittas John Brittas for Kairali People TV

The second part of Gail Tredwell TV interview on Kairali People TV.

Amritanandamayi to take legal action against Kairali People TV in Marunadan Malayali
Amritanandamayi plans to take legal action against the TV which interviewed Gail Tredwell.

CPM-backed Kairali TV airs interview of author who alleged sex abuse at Amritanandamayi ashram Shaju Philip for The Indian Express
In spite of legal threats, teh TV channel aired two time the second part of Gail Tredwell's interview.

Gail reveals more on Mata ashram on TV Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
This article gives more details about the circumstances which lead to the hidden camera shooting

Illegal buildings-tax evasion in Mata Amritanandamayi ashram Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
"49 buildings were constructed were without panchayat sanction and taxes were not paid"

Abubaker Musliyar at par with Amritanandamayi: O.Abdullah in Jamaat a Islami Hinh, Kerala
According to this report, Amritanandamayi has a muslim colleague and he seems to be also protected by politics. Each religion has its own deceitful leaders.

Amritanandamayi Math has no account in Swiss banks in Manorama Online
Contrary to what has been said so far, Amritanadamayi acknowledges that she doesn't own any of "her" worldwide centers. Amritanandamayi's "empire" is bounded to India.

Police action if Tredwell files complaint: Commissioner in The Hindu
If Gail Tredwell lodges a complaint, the police will register a complaint and follow it up.

Book is Pivotal in Kerala Controversy Ajmal V for BeyondHeadlines
"The government should necessarily take actions against the growing malpractices behind spiritualism"

Rumpus in the ashram in The Telegraph
This article which supports Amritanandamayi, describes how a french psychologist enjoys a comfortable holiday-like life in Amritapuri, thanks to her money. Surprisingly she is also exempted from seva, which is mandatory for anyone who spends more than 3 days in the ashram. Note that the foreign centers are not included in Amritanandamayi's "empire" anymore.

Holy Cow And Unholy Silence B.F Firos for Counter Currents
The author of the article thinks that mainstream media remain silent about the issue mainly because they don't want to lose the advertising revenues from Amritanadamayi's institutions. He reminds us that this is the second book that is written about the godwoman.

Row linked to Mata Amritanandamayi mutt refuses to die down in Business Standard
"A group of intellectuals in Kerala has protested the alleged planned move to block news reports against Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt"

Careless Whispers Pritham Sengupta for Outlook India
This newspaper still falsely alleges that Amritanandamayi has properties worldwide. It reminds that most of the politicians remain very careful due to election season.

Mohanlal backs Mata Amritanandamayi Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
The actor who is a long term devotee supports Amritanandamayi, along with politicians.

Amritanandamayi book row: I am trying to forgive and forget, says Mata in Sify News
The Mother of Eternal Bliss tries to forgive and forget the current issue.

Court orders to file case against Tredwell, media outfits in Madhyamam
"Forgive and Forget" is fine in her teachings but it doesn't work in real life. So she files a complaint against 3 TV channels and 2 newspapers for hurting religious sentiments. That is a true spiritual lesson about detachment coming from an enlightened being.

PCI plea to withdraw case Anita Joshua for The Hindu
The Press Club of India asks the M.A. Math to withdraw its case against TV channels for it is against the idea of free expression.

Gail Tredwell’s interview goes viral in Times of India
According to this short article the interview of Gail Tredwell by John Brittas goes viral.

Controversial Book: Court Orders Probe in The New Indian Express
Launching a probe against everyone.

Case ordered against ex-disciple, media houses in The Pioneer
No case has been ordered against Kairali-TV.

Amritanandamayi mutt row: Gail Tredwell, five news organisations booked J. Binduraj for India Today
Newspapers in Kerala published an advertisement to warn against criticizing Amritanandamayi. The advertisement goes so far as to threaten general public!!! Unbelievable... Will the members of Dheevara Saba demonstrate willingly on March 14 or are they compelled to partake to do so?

matha_amruthananda_add in VygaNews
A picture of Amritanandamayi's advertisement.

Amma Devotees Stage Protest March in The New Indian Express
Devotees of Mata Amritanandamayi took out protest marches across the state along with Hindu organisations.

CM misused official machinery in The New Indian Express
While everyday people keep on expressing themselves on social media, the hartal planned for March 14 seems to be a pure political event.

Vatican Secret Agency Behind Campaign against Mata: VHP in The New Indian Express
According to VHP, Gail Tredwell is on a mission for Opus Dei to destroy Hindu saints and mahatmas. Vatican agents are attacking Amritanandamayi, just like they did for Sai Baba.

Plea for CBI probe against mutt in HC in Business Standard
A petition has been moved in Kerala High Court seeking a direction to CBI to register an FIR and launch investigation in accordance with law against the M.A. Math.

HC seeks State’s view on petition in The Hindu
The hearing on the petition has been adjourned by two weeks after.


"Prominent cultural persons have called upon the government to take urgent steps to bring out the truth about the allegations against the Mata Amritanandamayi Math". This group includes O.N.V. Kurup, Paul Zacharia, Sashi Kumar, B.R.P. Bhaskar and Swami Sandeepanandagiri.

Swami Sandipananda faces Mata Amritanandamayi’s ire Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
Mata Amritanandamayi devotees disrupted a spiritual discourse by Swami Sandipananda in a temple in Kozhikode. The article says he was an M.A. Math inmate, comments says he was denied sanyasa.

RSS ready to support anyone in anti-corruption movement in The Hindu
An RSS leader calls upon the entire Hindu society and the right thinking world to denounce those who criticize Amritanandamayi : they are enemies of humanity!

High Court notice to Kerala govt, CBI in Amritanadamayi mutt case J Binduraj for India Today
"Kerala high court on Friday sent notices to the state government and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a petition filed by the Supreme Court lawyer Deepak Prakash questioning the attitude of the state police in not filing a case regarding revelations by former inmate of Amritanandamayi mutt Gail Tredwell".

Mata Amritanandamayi’s brother writes open letter to book author Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
Suresh tells about Gail Tredwell's arrival in the 80's. It doesn't match her book's story but it doesn't match Amritanandamayi's biography either.

Our Spiritual Leaders are Pure Like Ganga in The New Indian Express
VHP supporting Amritanandamayi once again.

Publisher attacked over Amma book Shaju Philip for The Indian Express
A publishing house selling a book based on Gail Tredwell's interview with John Brittas has been attacked.

Attack on DC books by Amritanandamayi followers for Media One on youtube
Following the attack against his store and his house by Amritanandamayi's followers, the publisher Ravi DC gave his point of view on television.

DC Books outlet attacked in Kottayam in The Hindu
A Keralan association for Art and Letters has condemned the attack.

No CBI probe into 'sexual abuse' at Amritanandamayi Math in The Times of India
The Kerala high court dismissed a petition seeking inquiry into alleged sexual exploitation at Amritanandamayi's ashram.

High Court Bans DC From Publishing Book on Amritanandamayi in The New Indian Express
The book written by John Brittas and published by D.C. Books is considered to defame Amritanandamayi and Hinduism.

Edit war in Wiki page of Amritananda Mayi Jisha Surya for The times of India
Wikipedia volunteers have noticed that a group is working to sanitize the Wikipedia page of Mata Amritananda Mayi.

Mata Amritanandamayi supporters call Mammooty ‘communal’ Ayyappa Prasad for TruthDive
They have started a poster war in the city of Kochi to defame the actor Mammooty who is also the chairman of Kairali Group channels.

Plea in HC for Ban on Book on Mata Amritanandamayi PTI for The New Indian Express
But the judge has re-notified the matter to a further date because he doesn't want to abide by the devotees rules.

Petition in HC wants ban on book by former aide of Amritanandmayi in The Indian Express
Such boldness! The devotees want the court to ban the book worldwide(!) because “crores of devotees” consider Amritanandamayi as an “incarnation of god” therefore the book is a “deliberate” attempt to “demean Hindu gods, saints and mythology”.

Ravi Deecee: “No question of withdrawing book” Vinutha Mallya for Booksy.In
Ravi Deecee, managing partner of DC Books, speaks about the attacks against his home and his publishing house, and on what is to be expected.

Kerala HC stays sale of DC Books’ book critical of Mata Amritanandamayi Vinutha Mallya for Booksy.In
According to news being reported by the TV channels in Kerala, the Kerala High Court has today stayed the publication and sale of the book based on Gail Tredwell's interview, for a period of three months.

Court refuses plea for FIR against spiritual leader's ex-aide in Business Standard
Finally a court states that the book Holy Hell is not an attack against Hinduism.

Kerala court bans book on Amritanandamayi AM Abdussalam for The Gulf Today
Censorship has finally won once again! Amma often says that her devotees are her arms and her legs, nothing can be closer to the truth.

The new book on Mata Amritanandamayi Megha Jetley for Alive.com
"Perhaps this is the first time that a major controversy involving one of the most prominent figures in the state has been set off and sustained by the social media while the conventional media avoided it like plague"

Publishing industry booming in India KPM Basheer for The Hindu Business Line
Publishing is booming in India but the publisher worry about the censorship and threats from rightwing groups , revealed by the issue between Mata Amritanandamayi and Gail Tredwell.